NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Monday, May 5, from Alan Levine, CEO and President of Ballad Health.
Dear colleague,
This week holds special meaning for all of us at Ballad Health. From May 5-11, we celebrate both National Nurses Week and Healthcare Week – a time to honor the incredible nurses who serve on the front lines and the many team members who support them behind the scenes, each playing a vital role in the care we provide.
This year, Ballad Health has embarked on our B Excellent journey – an intentional commitment to strengthening our culture, reconnecting with our values and investing in the people who care for this community every day. We launched B Excellent to help us return to the “why” behind what we do: to take pride in our work, to support each other, and to create an environment where excellence isn’t just a goal – it’s our standard. It’s about lifting one another up, working together better and building a place where each team member feels seen, valued and inspired to make a difference.
And it’s working.
Because of your dedication and the shared belief that Ballad Health is a place worth building, our nursing turnover, 12.7%, is now the lowest it has been in years. That’s not just a number; it’s a sign of strength and stability. It means we can rely more on our own Ballad-employed nurses and continue moving away from contract nursing. It means our patients experience more consistency in care.
And beyond nursing, we’re seeing a powerful shift across the board. Overall team member turnover has decreased significantly to below the national average. This shows that more people are choosing to stay and grow with Ballad Health and that together, we’re creating a place where people want to work.
In September, that same dedication, courage, pride and resilience was on full display during the unprecedented impact of Hurricane Helene. In the face of dangerous flooding, road closures and power outages, our teams stood strong for the patients and communities who needed us most. Without hesitation, you showed up, stepped in and supported one another.
Whether you’re a nurse at the bedside, a team member supporting patient care behind the scenes, or someone who helps make our operations run smoothly, you are part of something meaningful.
We especially want to honor Boone McCrary, a member of our team who, along with his loyal dog, gave his life helping citizens escape rising floodwaters. Boone’s selfless actions reflect the very best of who we are. In his memory, Ballad Health has established the Boone McCrary, RN Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund to support future caregivers who, like Boone, are working other jobs and will make the brave decision to answer the call to nursing. His story reminds us that excellence can come from anywhere and that one person’s courage can leave a lasting impact. Boone will never be forgotten, and his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and in those who will now follow in his footsteps.
While our clinical teams are often the most visible, our nonclinical team members are just as vital to our mission. You are the ones who keep our buildings operational, our systems running, our food prepared, our spaces clean, our appointments scheduled and our teams supported behind the scenes. Whether you’re in IT, facilities, finance, payroll, environmental services, dietary, supply chain, security, marketing, human resources or any other role, your work is foundational to everything we do. You make it possible for our caregivers to focus on patient care, and you are essential to the success of Ballad Health.
Whether you’re a nurse at the bedside, a team member supporting patient care behind the scenes, or someone who helps make our operations run smoothly, you are part of something meaningful. You are part of the Ballad Health story, and your excellence is shaping our future.
On behalf of the Ballad Health Board of Directors and the senior leadership team, thank you for being the hands and heart of this organization. We are proud to celebrate you this week and we’re grateful for you every day.
Thank you, and may God bless you.
Alan
